Weather causes morning commute havoc

By Emily Babay, Breaking News Desk

Posted: December 22, 2012

Rain and wind caused havoc for commuters in the Philadelphia region, with flooding and downed trees and wires delaying traffic and trains.

The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood warning for the area through 11 a.m. A wind advisory is also in effect through 9 a.m., and strong winds were bringing down tree limbs and power lines.

PennDOT reported that all lanes were closed in both directions on U.S. Route 30 at East King of Prussia Road in Radnor because of downed utility lines. Downed wires were also blocking all southbound lanes on U.S. Route 1 between South Creek Road and South Constitution Drive in Chadds Ford.

Interstate 95 southbound lanes were also closed at Columbus Boulevard due to flooding. Delaware Avenue was closed in both directions between Washington Avenue and Fairmount Avenue, also from flooding, according to Philadelphia police.

SEPTA reported problems on several Regional Rail lines. Trees in overhead wires were leading to delays on the Paoli/Thorndale line, and power issues were delaying the Wilmington/Newark Line.

SEPTA also said Route 102 outbound trolley service was terminating at McDade Boulevard due to high water in Sharon Hill.

In New Jersey, flooding on Route 30 at the Benjamin Franklin Bridge was closing all lanes and traffic was being detoured to Interstate 676, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation. The flooding extended on Admiral Wilson Boulevard to New Jersey Route 38, causing massive delays on the westbound lanes heading into Philadelphia.

Extensive flooding was also being reported in Toms River, which was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy.